CMC dog program recycles cans to fund their mission

Led by Lt. Patrick Noland at the California Men’s Colony, a number of inmates have created the formula to funding their service dog program.

Not a dog handler himself, inmate Bobby Braggs proposed the idea of a volunteer recycling program to the New Life K9s’ Lt. Noland as a means to fund their program’s daily costs, as well as a way for Braggs to make amends for his crime, his victim being a profound dog lover.

Since its inception, the NLK9s volunteer recycling program has grown considerably, now with a total of 26 inmate volunteers between all four yards, and a growing support from Correctional Officers who assist with the efforts of all involved.

To date, the recycling program has raised $4,042. All proceeds have gone toward providing the program canines with the daily needs of any well cared for puppies: treats, toys, educational tools and grooming supplies. The funds have also been responsible for providing the program with video recording equipment, making it possible for the program to record daily teaching sessions.

This will allow for the outside organization and the inmate handlers to view footage, give and receive feedback, and foster a learning environment in the name of preparing future full access service dogs for veterans and first responders who live with Post Traumatic Stress.

As the CMC service dog program is under a 501 (c) (3), New Life K9s of SLO, their success relies heavily upon the generosity of donors. Their volunteer recycling program not only promotes self-sustainability, the community efforts of the recycling crew and staff at CMC speaks to the power of the human capacity of resourcefulness. Not to mention, it’s environmentally responsible.

One person’s aluminum can leads to the well-being of another person’s service dog.

(Some websites may not be accessible from a CDCR computer.)

To learn more about the NLK9s service dog program, visit newlifek9s.org.

4 Comments

In my humble opinion, the dog programs are the best thing CDCR offers towards rehabilitation, because as a dog lover myself, I know how much the love of a dog can change one’s perspective on life.

I commend Bobby Braggs for finding a positive way to make ammends, all the men who care for the pups, the staff that oversees the project and anyone else involved in whatever capacity and huge hugs to the lovable dogs, too! Keep up the great work!

The New Life K9 Program may be the most positive thing I have seen in 10 years at CMC. The dogs bring joy to everyone who sees them. Many of the staff love to stop and pet the dogs when they are not training. And the inmates are learning responsibility, patience, and compassion for others. They also have conversations with staff about the dogs, staff then role-modeling how to have appropriate, respectful interactions with other people. The fact that this program benefits our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for us, is the icing on the cake. Good job Lt. Noland and CMC crew who support this wonderful mission!